Count us as skeptical that the steamship Sabino — an early 20th century craft powered by steam produced by the burning of coal — can remain true to its historical heritage if it is instead quietly fueled by batteries.

We understand the case made by the Mystic Seaport Museum. It is difficult to find engineers with the required Coast Guard certification to operate the vessel using its antiquated propulsion system. Not constrained by having to have a licensed engineer onboard, and free of the expense of buying coal, the Seaport could operate the popular craft more frequently.

And the smoke and soot are dirty, leading, the Seaport contends, to concerns from residents along the Mystic River.

Still …

Only relatively recently did the Sabino return to the Mystic River. A nearly three-year absence ended in the summer of 2017. Operations stopped for a time because of the need to renovate the now 111-year-old steamship, including replacement of the boiler. The overhaul cost about $1 million, paid for with grants and donations. There was no hint then that if Sabino got back on the water it would buzz along on batteries.

In fact, quite the opposite.

In a January 2016 guest commentary in this publication, Seaport President Steve White wrote that the “Seaport remains committed to returning Sabino to operation under steam power.” And when it relaunched in 2017, Chris Gasiorek, vice president for watercraft preservation and programs, marveled about the chance for folks to again experience how people traveled in the early 20th century.

They didn’t travel under battery power.

To maintain the ship’s historic integrity, all its internal infrastructure would remain. Sabino could still operate via coal. Battery propulsion could be removed. That’s reassuring.

We urge the Seaport to weigh this decision carefully and consider the opinions of its members, donors and the public before it navigates forward. 

The Day editorial board meets with political, business and community leaders to formulate editorial viewpoints. It is composed of President and Publisher Timothy Dwyer, Executive Editor Izaskun E. Larraneta, Owen Poole, copy editor, and Lisa McGinley, retired deputy managing editor. The board operates independently from The Day newsroom.